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Impossible Escape: A True Story of Survival and Heroism in Nazi Europe
A true story of two Jewish teenagers racing against time during the Holocaust—one in hiding in Hungary, and the other in Auschwitz, plotting escape.
It is 1944. A teenager named Rudolph (Rudi) Vrba has made up his mind. After barely surviving nearly two years in the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland, he knows he must escape. Even if death is more likely.
Rudi has learned the terrible secret hidden behind the heavily guarded fences of concentration camps across Nazi-occupied Europe: the methodical mass killing of Jewish prisoners. As trains full of people arrive daily, Rudi knows that the murders won’t stop until he reveals the truth to the world—and that each day that passes means more lives are lost.
Lives like Rudi’s schoolmate Gerta Sidonová. Gerta’s family fled from Slovakia to Hungary, where they live under assumed names to hide their Jewish identity. But Hungary is beginning to cave under pressure from German Nazis. Her chances of survival become slimmer by the day.
The clock is ticking. As Gerta inches closer to capture, Rudi and his friend Alfred Wetzler begin their crucial steps towards an impossible escape.
This is the true story of one of the most famous whistleblowers in the world, and how his death-defying escape helped save over 100,000 lives.
It is 1944. A teenager named Rudolph (Rudi) Vrba has made up his mind. After barely surviving nearly two years in the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland, he knows he must escape. Even if death is more likely.
Rudi has learned the terrible secret hidden behind the heavily guarded fences of concentration camps across Nazi-occupied Europe: the methodical mass killing of Jewish prisoners. As trains full of people arrive daily, Rudi knows that the murders won’t stop until he reveals the truth to the world—and that each day that passes means more lives are lost.
Lives like Rudi’s schoolmate Gerta Sidonová. Gerta’s family fled from Slovakia to Hungary, where they live under assumed names to hide their Jewish identity. But Hungary is beginning to cave under pressure from German Nazis. Her chances of survival become slimmer by the day.
The clock is ticking. As Gerta inches closer to capture, Rudi and his friend Alfred Wetzler begin their crucial steps towards an impossible escape.
This is the true story of one of the most famous whistleblowers in the world, and how his death-defying escape helped save over 100,000 lives.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published August 29, 2023
About the author
Steve Sheinkin
36 books599 followersFrom: http://stevesheinkin.com/about/
I was born in Brooklyn, NY, and my family lived in Mississippi and Colorado before moving back to New York and settling in the suburbs north of New York City. As a kid my favorite books were action stories and outdoor adventures: sea stories, searches for buried treasure, sharks eating people… that kind of thing. Probably my all-time favorite was a book called Mutiny on the Bounty, a novel based on the true story of a famous mutiny aboard a British ship in the late 1700s.
I went to Syracuse University and studied communications and international relations. The highlight of those years was a summer I spent in Central America, where I worked on a documentary on the streets of Nicaragua.
After college I moved to Washington, D.C., and worked for an environmental group called the National Audubon Society. Then, when my brother Ari graduated from college a few years later, we decided to move to Austin, Texas, and make movies together. We lived like paupers in a house with a hole in the floor where bugs crawled in. We wrote some screenplays, and in 1995 made our own feature film, a comedy called A More Perfect Union (filing pictured below), about four young guys who decide to secede from the Union and declare their rented house to be an independent nation. We were sure it was going to be a huge hit; actually we ended up deep in debt.
After that I moved to Brooklyn and decided to find some way to make a living as a writer. I wrote short stories, screenplays, and worked on a comic called The Adventures of Rabbi Harvey. In 2006, after literally hundreds of rejections, my first Rabbi Harvey graphic novel was finally published.
Meanwhile, I started working for an educational publishing company, just for the money. We’d hire people to write history textbooks, and they’d send in their writing, and it was my job to check facts and make little edits to clarify the text. Once in a while I was given the chance to write little pieces of textbooks, like one-page biographies or skills lessons. “Understanding Bar Graphs” was one of my early works. The editors noticed that my writing was pretty good. They started giving me less editing to do, and more writing. Gradually, I began writing chapters for textbooks, and that turned into my full-time job. All the while, I kept working on my own writing projects.
In 2008 I wrote my last textbook. I walked away, and shall never return. My first non-textbook history book was King George: What Was His Problem? – full of all the stories about the American Revolution that I was never allowed to put into textbooks. But looking back, I actually feel pretty lucky to have spent all those years writing textbooks. It forced me to write every day, which is great practice. And I collected hundreds of stories that I can’t wait to tell.
These days, I live with my wife, Rachel, and our two young kids in Saratoga Springs, New York. We’re right down the road from the Saratoga National Historical Park, the site of Benedict Arnold’s greatest – and last – victory in an American uniform. But that’s not why I moved here. Honestly.
I was born in Brooklyn, NY, and my family lived in Mississippi and Colorado before moving back to New York and settling in the suburbs north of New York City. As a kid my favorite books were action stories and outdoor adventures: sea stories, searches for buried treasure, sharks eating people… that kind of thing. Probably my all-time favorite was a book called Mutiny on the Bounty, a novel based on the true story of a famous mutiny aboard a British ship in the late 1700s.
I went to Syracuse University and studied communications and international relations. The highlight of those years was a summer I spent in Central America, where I worked on a documentary on the streets of Nicaragua.
After college I moved to Washington, D.C., and worked for an environmental group called the National Audubon Society. Then, when my brother Ari graduated from college a few years later, we decided to move to Austin, Texas, and make movies together. We lived like paupers in a house with a hole in the floor where bugs crawled in. We wrote some screenplays, and in 1995 made our own feature film, a comedy called A More Perfect Union (filing pictured below), about four young guys who decide to secede from the Union and declare their rented house to be an independent nation. We were sure it was going to be a huge hit; actually we ended up deep in debt.
After that I moved to Brooklyn and decided to find some way to make a living as a writer. I wrote short stories, screenplays, and worked on a comic called The Adventures of Rabbi Harvey. In 2006, after literally hundreds of rejections, my first Rabbi Harvey graphic novel was finally published.
Meanwhile, I started working for an educational publishing company, just for the money. We’d hire people to write history textbooks, and they’d send in their writing, and it was my job to check facts and make little edits to clarify the text. Once in a while I was given the chance to write little pieces of textbooks, like one-page biographies or skills lessons. “Understanding Bar Graphs” was one of my early works. The editors noticed that my writing was pretty good. They started giving me less editing to do, and more writing. Gradually, I began writing chapters for textbooks, and that turned into my full-time job. All the while, I kept working on my own writing projects.
In 2008 I wrote my last textbook. I walked away, and shall never return. My first non-textbook history book was King George: What Was His Problem? – full of all the stories about the American Revolution that I was never allowed to put into textbooks. But looking back, I actually feel pretty lucky to have spent all those years writing textbooks. It forced me to write every day, which is great practice. And I collected hundreds of stories that I can’t wait to tell.
These days, I live with my wife, Rachel, and our two young kids in Saratoga Springs, New York. We’re right down the road from the Saratoga National Historical Park, the site of Benedict Arnold’s greatest – and last – victory in an American uniform. But that’s not why I moved here. Honestly.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews
December 12, 2023
Nonfiction that reads (and looks, by the cover) like fiction. I'd recommend this to younger readers in the YA range, but also to anyone who feels like picking it up as well. You won't be able to put it down, even as you're crying due to what's being described.
It's written in a very accessible way, it's fast paced and the audiobook narrator is great, so I'd recommend you get that too. I think the ebook and/or physical copy should have photos in the back, due to my audio copy being a library one I missed out on that.
I know both Vrba and Wetzler wrote their own accounts of escape and I'm looking forward to reading them as well, and I'm pretty sure there's at least one more book on the side covering their story too. This is the only one that's geared towards MG/YA readers though, as far as I know.
All in all, I highly recommend this.
It's written in a very accessible way, it's fast paced and the audiobook narrator is great, so I'd recommend you get that too. I think the ebook and/or physical copy should have photos in the back, due to my audio copy being a library one I missed out on that.
I know both Vrba and Wetzler wrote their own accounts of escape and I'm looking forward to reading them as well, and I'm pretty sure there's at least one more book on the side covering their story too. This is the only one that's geared towards MG/YA readers though, as far as I know.
All in all, I highly recommend this.
August 5, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Rudi Vrba was born in Czechoslovakia in 1924, and was friends with a girl named Gerta Sidnova. As Hitler was rising to power and invaded Poland in 1939, Rudi decides it's a good time to leave. Gerta's family also debates this, but stays a bit longer, before relocating to Hungary where she learned typing and shorthand. Rudi also makes it to Hungary, but is stopped, beaten, and jailed. He escapes several times, but never makes it very far. Eventually, he ends up in Auschwitz, and because he is young and still strong, is assigned to many different jobs. Early in the war, people thought that families really were being located, but as time passes, it became clear that this was not the case. Rudi sees this first hand at Auschwitz, and knows other young men whose job it is to bury or burn corpses. It's a horrible situation, and there are many descriptions of the different abuses perpetrated by the Nazis. Rudi was fairly lucky, but was determined to escape so that he could let the world know the reality behind the Nazi propaganda. He thought very carefully about how to escape, did his research, and realized that he and his friend Alfred Wetzler would have to hide outside the first set of perimeter gates at Auschwitz for about three days, and then escape past the second set. There were other men who tried this and failed, but Rudi succeeded. He managed to make it to Slovakia and contacted the Jewish council, where he and Alfred filed the Vrba–Wetzler Report, one of the first accounts of the atrocities being committed. After the war, Vrba married Gerta, with whom he had reconnected, and became a scientist.
Strengths: Sheinkin has done a lot of research; this read almost like a first hand account. Rudi's naive determination to escape but his fortunate ability to survive and escape again and again was an interesting progression of events I haven't seen as much in books about the Holocaust. It was contrasted nicely with Gerta's slightly more prosaic experience getting through the war. The details about the way that people were treated when they first got to the camp, the methods used for execution, and the secondary toll that this took on the people who had to work in positions surrounding this, are something I haven't seen expressed so clearly before. This is definitely a lot of information about what happened in the concentration camps, and about how the world really didn't know what exactly was going on for a while.
Weaknesses: This had many brutal moments, which makes it one that I would not hand it to sensitive 6th and 7th graders, but this allegiance to details, no matter how harrowing, makes it a great selection for 8th graders and high schoolers who have some background information and can handle it. Also, either I missed that Vrba was born Walter Rosenberg, or it wasn't mentioned as prominently in the book. I must have missed why he changed his name.
What I really think: This might be a good choice to offer students if they werre particularly interested in Wiesel's Night, which I know was studied for years at my school. I liked Rudi's determination to survive so that he could get out and tell the world. It also reminded me a bit of Rauch's Unlikely Warrior.
Rudi Vrba was born in Czechoslovakia in 1924, and was friends with a girl named Gerta Sidnova. As Hitler was rising to power and invaded Poland in 1939, Rudi decides it's a good time to leave. Gerta's family also debates this, but stays a bit longer, before relocating to Hungary where she learned typing and shorthand. Rudi also makes it to Hungary, but is stopped, beaten, and jailed. He escapes several times, but never makes it very far. Eventually, he ends up in Auschwitz, and because he is young and still strong, is assigned to many different jobs. Early in the war, people thought that families really were being located, but as time passes, it became clear that this was not the case. Rudi sees this first hand at Auschwitz, and knows other young men whose job it is to bury or burn corpses. It's a horrible situation, and there are many descriptions of the different abuses perpetrated by the Nazis. Rudi was fairly lucky, but was determined to escape so that he could let the world know the reality behind the Nazi propaganda. He thought very carefully about how to escape, did his research, and realized that he and his friend Alfred Wetzler would have to hide outside the first set of perimeter gates at Auschwitz for about three days, and then escape past the second set. There were other men who tried this and failed, but Rudi succeeded. He managed to make it to Slovakia and contacted the Jewish council, where he and Alfred filed the Vrba–Wetzler Report, one of the first accounts of the atrocities being committed. After the war, Vrba married Gerta, with whom he had reconnected, and became a scientist.
Strengths: Sheinkin has done a lot of research; this read almost like a first hand account. Rudi's naive determination to escape but his fortunate ability to survive and escape again and again was an interesting progression of events I haven't seen as much in books about the Holocaust. It was contrasted nicely with Gerta's slightly more prosaic experience getting through the war. The details about the way that people were treated when they first got to the camp, the methods used for execution, and the secondary toll that this took on the people who had to work in positions surrounding this, are something I haven't seen expressed so clearly before. This is definitely a lot of information about what happened in the concentration camps, and about how the world really didn't know what exactly was going on for a while.
Weaknesses: This had many brutal moments, which makes it one that I would not hand it to sensitive 6th and 7th graders, but this allegiance to details, no matter how harrowing, makes it a great selection for 8th graders and high schoolers who have some background information and can handle it. Also, either I missed that Vrba was born Walter Rosenberg, or it wasn't mentioned as prominently in the book. I must have missed why he changed his name.
What I really think: This might be a good choice to offer students if they werre particularly interested in Wiesel's Night, which I know was studied for years at my school. I liked Rudi's determination to survive so that he could get out and tell the world. It also reminded me a bit of Rauch's Unlikely Warrior.
October 10, 2023
Every time I read a book about the Holocaust, I learn more about the atrocities of the Nazis than I knew before, sadly. Although it is sickening to read about the millions of people they were responsible for murdering, the bravery of people like Rudi and Gerta is uplifting. They were determined to survive not just for their own sakes, but also to make sure that horrors of the Holocaust were known and not forgotten.
The author’s notes at the end about Holocaust denial were very informative. It seems like such a slap in the face to survivors like Rudi and Gerta, and to the millions who were eliminated, that there are people who choose to spread lies about the Holocaust being a “hoax”…
The author’s notes at the end about Holocaust denial were very informative. It seems like such a slap in the face to survivors like Rudi and Gerta, and to the millions who were eliminated, that there are people who choose to spread lies about the Holocaust being a “hoax”…
October 5, 2023
This was riveting, and scalding, Sheinkin didn’t shy away from the hard stuff, but did manage to put it in a context assessable to young readers. I have come to the decision that this will be last concentration camp book I will read. I just don’t have the armor for them anymore.
June 27, 2024
Listened to Impossible Escape, great narrator, excellent book. Sheinkin is a skilled writer, his non-fiction books read like fiction.
June 25, 2024
RFAL 24-25 Quick read. The truth is hard to read....amazing survival.
December 10, 2023
Heart-wrenching, tear-jerking, and so hard yet *important* to read.
June 10, 2024
A NorthStar YA Award nominee for 24|25.
Wow! This book was so good. It is the story of Rudi Vrba. A young Jewish man who was sent to Auschwitz during World War II. His story is one of unspeakable terror and sadness. Sheinkin writes about this heartbreaking history with such grace. I found this book to be remarkable.
Wow! This book was so good. It is the story of Rudi Vrba. A young Jewish man who was sent to Auschwitz during World War II. His story is one of unspeakable terror and sadness. Sheinkin writes about this heartbreaking history with such grace. I found this book to be remarkable.
March 6, 2024
This is one of the best novels I have read in quite some time. It is a true account of the first two Jews to escape the concentration camps during the Holocaust. One of the most impactful pieces of the book, was when Rudi made it clear that the world didn’t know that the Nazis were killing the Jews. At first, they only thought the Jews were in captivity as prisoners of war. Rudi himself being young, and strong, was recruited by the Nazis as a “prisoner worker”, and Rudi thought he was guarding Jewish prisoners. He gives an account of the day he was told to go in to the “prison“ that he was guarding and take jewelry, glasses, clothes from the Jews. He understand why they would give him such an assignment until he walked in and realized it was a gas chamber, and everyone was dead. Rudi said “ I realized, in that moment that I was not guarding prisoners but instead, I was guarding the murderous atrocities the Nazis were committing, from the entire entire world.”
I cannot say more about this book, if you were teacher, there are actually online study guides to go along with it. The author is a former history textbook writer who now writes historical novels like this. I was blown away and can’t wait to see what other books he has written. This book was awarded the 2023 Sydney Taylor Book Award for Young Adults).
(This book it is actually young adult book, and is appropriate for high school ages as well possibly older MS)
I cannot say more about this book, if you were teacher, there are actually online study guides to go along with it. The author is a former history textbook writer who now writes historical novels like this. I was blown away and can’t wait to see what other books he has written. This book was awarded the 2023 Sydney Taylor Book Award for Young Adults).
(This book it is actually young adult book, and is appropriate for high school ages as well possibly older MS)
September 15, 2023
I really love the way Sheinkin tells a story. He makes the people come alive. I'm so glad he wrote a book about Rudolf Vrba. This was such a wonderful read.
July 26, 2023
Before I picked up this book if you'd told me I'd be unable to put down a book set in Auschwitz, I might be a bit skeptical. While I've seen documentaries and had good college history professors, I'm also wary of the "Holocaust fiction genre" because it just seems... weirdly romanticizing. :/
Fortunately, this book is not like that. For one, it is not fiction (I didn't notice that when selecting it) and doesn't pretend to be a novel, but manages to be just as compelling as one.
The book tells the true story of Rudi Vrba, a Slovakian Jewish teen who made an "impossible" escape from the concentration camp with fellow prisoner Alfred Wetzler in order to tell the world about the horrors there. Their report would be known as the Vrba-Wetzler Report.
The book's narrative is engaging and detailed and lets us walk in Rudi's footsteps, without overdramatization. The perspective shifts between Rudi, with his early escape attempts in Nazi-allied Slovakia, and his childhood friend Gerta whose family attempts to hide in neighboring Hungary. At times the book pulls back from this personal narrative to show the bigger picture of what was happening in Europe at the time.
Most of the book takes place inside concentration camps, so I don't think I need to elaborate on the content warnings needed. However, the author presents these things frankly without delving into graphic details or gore, making it appropriate for younger audiences.
I also appreciate that Sheinkin brings the story into our present culture with Rudi's reasoning for why he chose to testify at a Holocaust-denier's trial many years later - that big lies should always be countered with truth - and the author's subtle suggestion that big lies still exist around us. "If a proof was needed that the mentality and danger of the Holocaust are still with us, it's right there," Rudi Vrba spoke of later genocides like Cambodia and Rwanda.
Impossible Escape tells an exciting true story relying heavily on Vrba's own interviews and talks. It is an engaging history lesson as well as an important warning of a danger still with us.
Fortunately, this book is not like that. For one, it is not fiction (I didn't notice that when selecting it) and doesn't pretend to be a novel, but manages to be just as compelling as one.
The book tells the true story of Rudi Vrba, a Slovakian Jewish teen who made an "impossible" escape from the concentration camp with fellow prisoner Alfred Wetzler in order to tell the world about the horrors there. Their report would be known as the Vrba-Wetzler Report.
The book's narrative is engaging and detailed and lets us walk in Rudi's footsteps, without overdramatization. The perspective shifts between Rudi, with his early escape attempts in Nazi-allied Slovakia, and his childhood friend Gerta whose family attempts to hide in neighboring Hungary. At times the book pulls back from this personal narrative to show the bigger picture of what was happening in Europe at the time.
Most of the book takes place inside concentration camps, so I don't think I need to elaborate on the content warnings needed. However, the author presents these things frankly without delving into graphic details or gore, making it appropriate for younger audiences.
I also appreciate that Sheinkin brings the story into our present culture with Rudi's reasoning for why he chose to testify at a Holocaust-denier's trial many years later - that big lies should always be countered with truth - and the author's subtle suggestion that big lies still exist around us. "If a proof was needed that the mentality and danger of the Holocaust are still with us, it's right there," Rudi Vrba spoke of later genocides like Cambodia and Rwanda.
Impossible Escape tells an exciting true story relying heavily on Vrba's own interviews and talks. It is an engaging history lesson as well as an important warning of a danger still with us.
October 9, 2023
I imagine, and hope, many have read other books about the terrible acts done by Hitler and his Nazis leading up to and during World War II. Sheinkin's book includes background and explanations throughout the books, but directly focuses on the story of one young man. Readers first meet Rudolph (Rudi) Vrba leaving home to prevent being caught by the police rounding up young Jewish men. That early line from his mother, who knew she might never see her son again, stayed with me throughout the book: "Take care of yourself. . . And don't forget to change your socks." He was seventeen. Though not quite as much time is spent, a parallel story of Rudi's friend, Gerta, is also told. She managed to stay hidden with her mother by escaping into Hungary after her father was taken away. Hers is an intriguing story to see how smart she was to keep safe, challenges faced, even as a young teen.
Among several other settings, Rudi spent most of the war in Auschwitz. There is more detail about the various work that prisoners did and the horrible things they endured and saw happen, the constant cruelty and evil, on the trains, in the camp, out in fields for work. The detail is there, Rudi's strength is there, small acts of kindness and wisdom from others help, too. He and a friend, Alfred (Fred) Wetzler start plans for escape, and that focus, their journey to survive "out" in order to bear witness to the truth of what is happening, what has been happening, keeps them going. It is an important part of this history, of a young man whose will to survive and tell the truth saved thousands of lives.
Among several other settings, Rudi spent most of the war in Auschwitz. There is more detail about the various work that prisoners did and the horrible things they endured and saw happen, the constant cruelty and evil, on the trains, in the camp, out in fields for work. The detail is there, Rudi's strength is there, small acts of kindness and wisdom from others help, too. He and a friend, Alfred (Fred) Wetzler start plans for escape, and that focus, their journey to survive "out" in order to bear witness to the truth of what is happening, what has been happening, keeps them going. It is an important part of this history, of a young man whose will to survive and tell the truth saved thousands of lives.
November 26, 2023
Steve Sheinkin just writes excellent narrative nonfiction and this is no exception. I didn't know Rudi Vrba's story at all before this, and it's compellingly told. Very hard to read, due to the subject matter, but a necessary story to be told.
Holocaust stories are incredibly difficult to read, and there is so much horror in them--everyone involved in the camps is such a monster and it wouldn't have been possible without the complicity of so many. That's true here. I did also appreciate the stories that Sheinkin told about all of the people who helped, at great risk to themselves. It is good to remember that so much of the Holocaust shows humanity at its absolute worst, and there also were people who did help and save lives, even in very small ways. It helps to not feel quite as much nihilism and despair.
This is a really excellent book about someone whose story should be more widely known. I highly recommend it.
Holocaust stories are incredibly difficult to read, and there is so much horror in them--everyone involved in the camps is such a monster and it wouldn't have been possible without the complicity of so many. That's true here. I did also appreciate the stories that Sheinkin told about all of the people who helped, at great risk to themselves. It is good to remember that so much of the Holocaust shows humanity at its absolute worst, and there also were people who did help and save lives, even in very small ways. It helps to not feel quite as much nihilism and despair.
This is a really excellent book about someone whose story should be more widely known. I highly recommend it.
May 14, 2024
“Every Jewish person in Europe who’d survived this far into World War II had a story to tell.”
An incredible YA nonfiction story that read like fiction, with a ridiculously long list of sources at the end. I loved it. Lately I have shied away from WWII books because they’re just too heavy for me, but this one didn’t have that usual weight, making it perfect for its intended audience but accessible to adults, too. And even without the weight, I could not put it down. I decided I could do what I wanted this Mother’s Day, so I read it in one day! What a ride. I had no idea anyone had escaped from Auschwitz (and it turns out 196 people successfully did it - I am amazed!), and knowing the outcome did not ruin the story at all. What an incredible journey and an incredible outcome. This story is unforgettable.
An incredible YA nonfiction story that read like fiction, with a ridiculously long list of sources at the end. I loved it. Lately I have shied away from WWII books because they’re just too heavy for me, but this one didn’t have that usual weight, making it perfect for its intended audience but accessible to adults, too. And even without the weight, I could not put it down. I decided I could do what I wanted this Mother’s Day, so I read it in one day! What a ride. I had no idea anyone had escaped from Auschwitz (and it turns out 196 people successfully did it - I am amazed!), and knowing the outcome did not ruin the story at all. What an incredible journey and an incredible outcome. This story is unforgettable.
July 31, 2024
I've read other books by this author, who consistently writes so well for youth. This was no different. I was surprised at the detail he went into in describing the lives of Rudi and the other prisoners at Auschwitz, some I had never read or heard before. Although I knew the outcome, I was still filled with suspense as I read this account. I would hesitate to recommend this to anyone younger than an emotionally mature middle schooler due to the graphic content. But its a great story of true heroism, of a very relatable teenager who not only wanted to escape for his own benefit, but so the world would learn what was happening and the killing could be stopped.
November 30, 2023
May be the best book I read all year. Read out loud on a road trip and we were all captivated by this true story. The middle section is so hard to read (the atrocities of Aushwetiz) but also so necessary and still felt the author handled it well for a middle grade readers. But I probably wouldn’t read to anyone younger than 12.
Truly impossible escape. Miraculous. Had me in tears several times.
As always Sheinkin knocks it out of the park. My favorite of his so far.
Truly impossible escape. Miraculous. Had me in tears several times.
As always Sheinkin knocks it out of the park. My favorite of his so far.
November 2, 2023
I love narrative nonfiction! This is a remarkable story of survival and one that will appeal to both males and females. I loved that Rudi and Gerta’s stories were separate but interconnected. I feel that this book is so important for the next generation to read so that the atrocities that occurred during the holocaust are not forgotten or even worse hidden or censored.
March 3, 2024
4.5
An incredible story of perseverance. This was hard to read, hard to imagine, but important to know. “Education is not memorizing that Hitler killed 6 million Jewish people. Education is understanding how millions of ordinary Germans were convicted that it was required. Education is learning to spot the signs of history repeating itself.” Chomsky
An incredible story of perseverance. This was hard to read, hard to imagine, but important to know. “Education is not memorizing that Hitler killed 6 million Jewish people. Education is understanding how millions of ordinary Germans were convicted that it was required. Education is learning to spot the signs of history repeating itself.” Chomsky
September 9, 2023
Powerful story of a true hero who survived the Holocaust. Bonus that the author lives in Saratoga! Highly recommend.
November 7, 2023
Unbearably sad but a necessary story. Promoted as YA but I wouldn’t give it to anyone under high school. Lots of stories that are hard to cope with. I couldn’t put it down though.
February 13, 2024
Note to self: read more narrative nonfiction!
May 27, 2024
Audiobook. Based on the experiences of Rudolph Vrba during WWII. Attempting to escape from Slovakia at the beginnings of the war at 19, he was captured and ended up in Auschwitz prison camp. He and a fellow captive were driven to reveal to the world what the Nazis were doing to their prisoners and were determined to escape. It is a poignant story of survival, perseverance and concern for others rather than self.
August 3, 2024
I wouldn’t call it a wonderful story, but it’s definitely an important one!
March 29, 2024
Impossible Escape
Chp 1- reasons to hate Jews listed
Explains what happens to Czechoslovakia including the new ruler.
What did you think of Gerta’s friend Maruska? But they could be friends today but not tomorrow because her family was going to take over Gertrude‘s family’s shop?
She didn’t even think there was something wrong with that thinking.
Chp 2-0
Gerta rebelled by putting pebbles in bike spikes.
The blind following of Hitler still shocks me. The line when he says it, Hitler told me to shoot my own mother, I would.
Chp 3- Rudi arrives in Hungary. He stays at Stephan’s aunts house. Because he hast to get off the street. He looks very beaten up.
Chp 4- Rudi returns to Slovakia waiting for
Papers. He is caught and beaten. He wonders how his life would’ve been different if he ran? Would it be too dark and the guards wouldn’t missed him anyway. Instead he is Left for Dead but lives.
Chp5- Hilter says “people will believe a big lie sooner than a little one; and if you repeat it frequently enough people will sooner or later believe it.” Pg 25
Rudi is dumped in Novaky a prison camp in central Slovakia. It was a camp for resettlement. He volunteers to be one of the prisoners who takes food from different sections of the camp. He plots his escape.
Chp 6- Rudy and his friend Joseph escaped from the camp with the help of a plumber who had been saving goods for him that he collected as he planned his escape. When they got to Joseph‘s girlfriends home, Ziska went to go find him. Rudy waited for days and with embarrassment. Cisco’s father told him that they are rounding up the Jews and it is getting very difficult to help. Rudy eventually took the hint and had to leave out on his own. Why do you think Joseph and Zuska did not help Rudy?
Also – sidenote, does it feel like he can escape very easily from these last two places? Are there details that are missing?
Chp 7-Rudy learns that they are now taking whole Jewish families and not just young boys. A neighbor gives him his son shoes and two pairs of socks. As he rides a bike away from a police officer who chases him, he realizes he got caught because he was wearing two pairs of socks in June. Return Goethe and her family are warned to flee. She and her mother, Josefina, and Max leave in dark clothing and hide in a Catholic mass to avoid suspicion.
At the end of this chapter, there is a direct quote from Goethe. How does this use of direct quotes help make the story feel more real to you?
Chp 8. This chapter summarizes the beginning of the gas chambers. It is very heavy with violence, statistics. It explains the reason for the gas chambers in Auschwitz were not because of the victims for the mental well-being of the guards. Commandeer worried about the mental anguish he would have on the guards for shooting the Jews, Ashley shooting the women in the children. The Germans have used the gas chamber previously for people with mental illness so they already had one in place. However, they had to build a new one near the more that had a better ventilation system. First recording was at 900 men. They were some reports across the world of mass shooting, but it wasn’t becoming real yes. Prisoners in these resettlement camps were sending letters to their loved ones with wrong information such as a mom I say hello. Meanwhile, mom had died from a years ago.
American hearing these stories what makes them so believable or unbelievable?
Chp 9- as the Jewish families left for the resettlement camps. The train stops. The SS Nazi guards of order all the men 17 to 40 off the tree. Everyone is shocked because the president promised the families will stay together. When they arrived at the camp. They were criminals with three triangles, were red triangles on their outfits, and they were in charge of keeping the Jews in line. They were put in wooden clogs, and their heads were shaven. They were responsible for building, the new barracks and carrying the dead to rollcall in the morning. When someone will try to run to escape the Nazis. Rudi plan his next impossible.
How does this situation Rudy’s it feels more serious than the others? What shocking things did you learn about this camp? How does he find the will to live?
Chp 10- Gerta is in Budapest Hungary
Rudi befriends Josef Erdelyi
Map of Auschwitz Camp.
How important is friendship?
Chp 11- I am completely normal. Rudolph Hoss Never told his wife or family about what happens at Auswitchz
Rudi moves to the field camp assuming that he can escape more easily. He imagines himself in a field when he gets there he learns that he will be digging up the buried bodies to help burn them. He can’t believe how naïve he was
Overwhelming question prisoners had- is there anyway to fight back?
Thoughts on the commander being able to separate his violence with his home life?
Chp 12- Gertas observation that her relatives in Hungary didn’t see the problem with Jews fate. They didn’t acknowledge all the refugees.
Rudi couldn’t figure out why guards were protecting an empty building. (?) It was full of good.
Brought Polish prisoners to front of group and hung them. They were forced to watch for an hour. Papers on shirt says. “Because we tried to escape”
Rudi thinks- when he gets out of here and tell people what he saw- no one will believe him. Would you?
Part Two - Survival
Chp 13- Germany was winning the war. continued reports of the mass murders were made either way to America. They were buried on page 6, and many people just couldn’t believe that they were true. During this time, the Americans had put Japanese innocent people in the internment camps. Both were based on racial discrimination but not as equally brutal. We are Rudy was Heimlich. Himmler showed up in ordinary man to look at the camp. He was the head of the SSR.
Hitler’s overall vision for world dominance was to only allow those beneath him to serve or provide or build, and that those he felt superior would rule and be served across the world including complete in Alicia juice.
How would you compare your knowledge about interment camps to Nazi Germany concentration camps?
Chp 14-Filip Muller was writing letters home to his father, saying everything was fine. Meanwhile, he was starving to death, and was being made fun of by the Kapos playing teasing games like get up sit down take your hat off. One night he snuck out to get some tea from the barrels and was caught and tried to drowned him and hit him in the head. When he woke up, he was sent to strip the stiffs. They were all kinds of dead people in a room, and he had to take care of their belongings. Didn’t think he would survive one minute one day one hour.
The hunger is what really stood out to me, but also the humiliation.
Which do you think is worse feeling humiliated or hungry?
Chp 15- They would watch trains of people get off the train, children and women and the Nazis ask them what’s your job? Tailor?- great we need you after your shower. Come see me. They will then walk into the gas chamber and drop the poison and die. these people did not know that they were lambs to the slaughter. Filipe thought he had to be a witness, if only to speak for them when this was all over. He wondered how the SS soldiers could do such a thing without sight. Franz Hurts later says he didn’t do the thinking someone else did it for him. Brainwashed, unless the Jews deserved it.
Chp16- they were layers of torture at Auschwitz. Rudi ended up working as slave, labor, dragging bags of concrete to and from the building, “run you pig run you pig.”- Kapos He was words near death 90 of the hundred men lived that day only because Joseph asked Franz a French foreman if they could have a new job they twisted wires. this was a result of a case of jam that got knocked over in the prisoners all ate it, and when the foreman came to county realize they were missing.
What limits do you think the human body can withstand? Seems so excessive.
Chp 17- Hungary. Gerta is struggling with the jolliness of her family even some Jews that are living life as if nothing has happened. She’s lost weight stopped her. And is miserable wondering what is happening to her friends. Her aunts find her ungrateful and don’t understand why she won’t go to the park swimming.
Filipe continues to work in the crematorium, Sonderkommando and Rudi is friends with Filipes father. At one point father, and son means, but father is dying of typhoid. Philip makes Rudy promise that his father will never know he works in the crematorium. He tells them about the awful things that go on there. Two days later Filipes father arrives at the crematorium.
If you were in Hungary, as Gerta what would you do or say to your family how would you make a difference?
Chp 18- after working in the construction camp all day Rudi and Josef show up to run drills. They are sorted into the sick category. That group of men were being sent to death. Thankfully a Kapo who knew them did them a small favor and sent them to the other group. They ask to join the Canada Command because they heard they get lots of food- chocolate.
What do you think of the sorting of people?
Chp 19- Laco Fischer the dentist tells boys to stick to him for the Clearing Command. Don’t eat too much. Tons of strollers blankets and women squeezing toothpaste in buckets? WHY?
Everything from the luggage was sorted. The valuables were given to shoulders and SSR. Pictures books were burned. Everyone who worked there would try to smuggle out items but often got caught and beaten. Bruno- the Kapo- had Rudi sneaking things to Hermoine (a sorter girl). Rudi knows he is going to get caught by Wiegleb soon.
Would you risk stealing to share with the other prisoners?
Chp-20 Bruno Rudy was running close, one day when the lab stopped him four times in a row. On the fourth time he had perfume and hotdogs and soap for Hermione from Bruno. We log beat Rudy, but he would not tell who gave him the goods. The next day he earns Brunos respects, and Bruno covers for him.
Goethe is looking to get a passport. She and her mother are knitting scarves.
If you were Rudy, would you have told on Bruno? How do you think we log knew that Rudy was bringing goods from Bruno to Hermione?
Chp 21- more trains of Jews. More sorting between strong and weak. They at least kept mothers and children together. More luggage brought to the Canada complex command center. Rudy had been there for almost a year. He was 18 and his will to live in escape, was for the mere fact that the world needed to know what was really going on in Auschwitz. He had to be the one.
What do you think of the SS Nazi soldiers approach of being kind to the passengers when they got off the train? How they told them somebody made a mistake here we will sort you out.
Chp 22- Rudy and Joseph get typhus. Josef dies running for the fence. Rudy asks Bruno for help. He denies him. He asks local Fisher for help and he tries to prop him up as they march past the guards and it works! Hermione and other women in the Canada Canada command watch over him until he feels better. When he’s starting materials, he finds a map, a child atlas of the world and rips a page out.
SSR is guarding the secrets of Auschwitz - not prisoners.
What does this chapter say about the kindness of strangers?
Chp 23- Hitler had a set back in war. Rudi is faced with prior vicious guard who is amazed he is alive. Mfilipe sees the well co structured gas chamber. Bigger and newer.
Quote at end of chapter… Filipe fears what is to come.
Chp 24- Gerta in assumed identity she went to art galleries. Fell in love with Andrash but couldn’t tell him why she didn’t go to school or tell her parents about him.
Police come in middle of night b/c they were illegal immigrants. They get put on train.
Rudi meets old neighbor Fred. Hide in “shed” sometimes. Got a new job as a registrar and was able to walk around and talk to prisoners. Filipe saw sooo many crematorium groups. So devastating. Rudi was trying to remember alll these details.
His goal to remember was strong as ever.
Chp 25- Greta’s family was sent to detention camp- different than concentration camp b/c they came from Hungary.
Chp 26- Gertas family was released due to huge fee her u cow paid. They returned to Budapest. Escape for Rudi seems more impossible. Friend Dimitri tries to inspire him too. Find a way. Never trust a Nazi.
I find it interesting how he keeps finding friends. Telling parts of their stories. In a way to keep them alive?
Chp 27- opportunity- SS man Charlo- polish born Jew was a captain in French- leaves in 3 days! Rudi missed the truck! SS driver ended up killing Charlo. Rudi got his belt when they brought his body back.
News- there is a new rail line from Hungary straight to concentration camp built. Hurlers focus was Gungary now.
Rudi’s new purpose was driven because Lives Could Be saved.
He has a plan!
Part III -Escape
Chp 28- Rudi explains the guarding of the perimeters. Pg 146- Was it possible to remain hidden outside the inner perimeter BUT inside the out let perimeter for 3 days?
The mortuary crew bribed Kapos to hide in construction site.
When 4 prisoners were alarmed as missing- the men hid in the pile of lumber and gave whispered intel.
They got out of Auswitchz and the hiding place hadn’t been revealed.
Where did they hide? Could you imagine staying in a log pile for 3 days?
What did Sandor Eisenback wink?- he was a prisoner who returned after escaping.
Chp 29- With the intel from Sandor- Rudi was able to use this information to plan his escape. The hiding place was still safe.
Gerta says good bye to her father. He turned himself in to police hoping it would free his family. - not realistic.
Filipe tells details from crematorium. Part of the SS purpose was to steal- even gold fillings.
Rudi and Fred keep this info close to memory.
Chp 30-
After several attempts, Rudy and Fred were able to hide in the log pile.
Chp 31- as Rudy and Fred hide some German prisoners think they found them and start jumping on the log pile and pulling things apart. Thankfully somebody from far away yelled some thing and they ran off distracted. After three days, Rudy and Fred try to remove themselves from the log pile but realize they are sort of stuck in there with their bodies being weak. It is very tedious to move the logs. Thankfully, there was a sliver of sky.
Can you imagine the feeling that they’ve actually accomplish this task they been trying to complete for years?
Chp 32- reen, Fred navigate darkness listening for sounds of the river to follow. They were warned there could be land vines, but had to chance standing upright to make good time. They could trust. No one even Polish people may turn them in. I need a map for this. At one point they hear voices young boys that were being trained to be Nazis youth. They had to hide and wait for the boys to finish their sandwiches. Luckily, it started to rain and they found a better place to hide the night.
What are your thoughts on the children being groomed to be SS Nazis?
Chp 33-exhausted, and and hungry. They marched through the woods, hide in little bushes and branches. At one point they find themselves in a public park with Nazi soldiers and their wives and children running around. When they end up in a town, they have no chance, but to knock on the door of a hat. Also, Rudy realizes that the map he has in his head was made before other concentration camps have been built so when they spot one in the distance, it is a surprise.
Chp 34- a woman and her daughter in the hut take care of Rudy and Fred. Give them food and keep them warm and give them some points for their journey. She warned them that Germans have taken over the whole village. At one point they wake up with shots in the air there are some German soldiers that spotted them. They as narrowly escaped as they fall into a river and swim across their feet are blistered. They’ve lost their jackets. They’re free at frozen. Nine days after they had left Auschwitz they see Poland thank
Gerda’s family is headed from the south
Chp 35 -the Polish woman fed them, and brought them to a man who helped guide them across to Slovakia. They never learned the Polish farmers name because they were afraid if they were caught and tortured, and they would give him up. He had to cut his boots off, so he wore slippers. Just over two years after had gotten into that taxi is he a freeman again. Interesting they had a flyer with Fred and Rudy’s names on it and it escaped convicts. I thought for sure the SSRI would want to keep that quiet.
Chp 36-pig farmer takes Rudy and Fred into town. They want to meet with Dr. Pollack. He is someone they met at a resettlement camp. Pollick is shocked to learn that Rudy is alive. Nobody comes back from Auschwitz. He asks to see his tattoo. He says. They made plans for him to bring Rudi to the Jewish administrative group. He also treats his feet
Map page 187
Chp 37-2/3 of the Jewish population was gone. Less than 25,000 people in the city remains. The statistics in this chapter are mind boggling. As a result of Rudy and friends testimony word spread across the world in world leaders started demanding that Jewish citizens stopped being sent away. Especially via Hungary Rudi and Fred‘s testimony saved at least 200,000 lives. His testimony is said to be the most influential point in the war.
President Horthy finally gave the order to stop deportation. He had previously been influenced by Hilters demands.
What are your thoughts on one person making a difference? Can you think of any experience in your own life or something else you’ve read about that has been so impactful?
Chp 38-Rudy tries to settle into normal life, but it is difficult, especially getting a haircut next to a Nazi soldier at the barbershop. He and Gerta reunite, but she is shocked to see how much he has changed her. The allied forces have taken over. Hitler is hidden in underground, tunnels and caves. Rudi finally joins a rebellion and goes to fight for Nazi soldiers, although he has little training, this is the happiest because he is running forward instead of running away.
How does the scene provide some small amount of closure?
Chp 39- Gestapo shows up at Gerta and Josephine store. They are arrested because they found counterfeit identity papers in Gertas house. When they realize that they have a fake identity, Josefina gives up her will to live. She tells Gerta to run without her Gerta jumps out the window and escapes from the trip to Auschwitz. She meets her boss Martin at a coffee shop. It seems that he knew what she was doing all along. does this turn of events surprise you? It seem as it was already going to be closed down why are they still sending people there?
Chp 40-As the war comes to an end and Hitler
Chp 1- reasons to hate Jews listed
Explains what happens to Czechoslovakia including the new ruler.
What did you think of Gerta’s friend Maruska? But they could be friends today but not tomorrow because her family was going to take over Gertrude‘s family’s shop?
She didn’t even think there was something wrong with that thinking.
Chp 2-0
Gerta rebelled by putting pebbles in bike spikes.
The blind following of Hitler still shocks me. The line when he says it, Hitler told me to shoot my own mother, I would.
Chp 3- Rudi arrives in Hungary. He stays at Stephan’s aunts house. Because he hast to get off the street. He looks very beaten up.
Chp 4- Rudi returns to Slovakia waiting for
Papers. He is caught and beaten. He wonders how his life would’ve been different if he ran? Would it be too dark and the guards wouldn’t missed him anyway. Instead he is Left for Dead but lives.
Chp5- Hilter says “people will believe a big lie sooner than a little one; and if you repeat it frequently enough people will sooner or later believe it.” Pg 25
Rudi is dumped in Novaky a prison camp in central Slovakia. It was a camp for resettlement. He volunteers to be one of the prisoners who takes food from different sections of the camp. He plots his escape.
Chp 6- Rudy and his friend Joseph escaped from the camp with the help of a plumber who had been saving goods for him that he collected as he planned his escape. When they got to Joseph‘s girlfriends home, Ziska went to go find him. Rudy waited for days and with embarrassment. Cisco’s father told him that they are rounding up the Jews and it is getting very difficult to help. Rudy eventually took the hint and had to leave out on his own. Why do you think Joseph and Zuska did not help Rudy?
Also – sidenote, does it feel like he can escape very easily from these last two places? Are there details that are missing?
Chp 7-Rudy learns that they are now taking whole Jewish families and not just young boys. A neighbor gives him his son shoes and two pairs of socks. As he rides a bike away from a police officer who chases him, he realizes he got caught because he was wearing two pairs of socks in June. Return Goethe and her family are warned to flee. She and her mother, Josefina, and Max leave in dark clothing and hide in a Catholic mass to avoid suspicion.
At the end of this chapter, there is a direct quote from Goethe. How does this use of direct quotes help make the story feel more real to you?
Chp 8. This chapter summarizes the beginning of the gas chambers. It is very heavy with violence, statistics. It explains the reason for the gas chambers in Auschwitz were not because of the victims for the mental well-being of the guards. Commandeer worried about the mental anguish he would have on the guards for shooting the Jews, Ashley shooting the women in the children. The Germans have used the gas chamber previously for people with mental illness so they already had one in place. However, they had to build a new one near the more that had a better ventilation system. First recording was at 900 men. They were some reports across the world of mass shooting, but it wasn’t becoming real yes. Prisoners in these resettlement camps were sending letters to their loved ones with wrong information such as a mom I say hello. Meanwhile, mom had died from a years ago.
American hearing these stories what makes them so believable or unbelievable?
Chp 9- as the Jewish families left for the resettlement camps. The train stops. The SS Nazi guards of order all the men 17 to 40 off the tree. Everyone is shocked because the president promised the families will stay together. When they arrived at the camp. They were criminals with three triangles, were red triangles on their outfits, and they were in charge of keeping the Jews in line. They were put in wooden clogs, and their heads were shaven. They were responsible for building, the new barracks and carrying the dead to rollcall in the morning. When someone will try to run to escape the Nazis. Rudi plan his next impossible.
How does this situation Rudy’s it feels more serious than the others? What shocking things did you learn about this camp? How does he find the will to live?
Chp 10- Gerta is in Budapest Hungary
Rudi befriends Josef Erdelyi
Map of Auschwitz Camp.
How important is friendship?
Chp 11- I am completely normal. Rudolph Hoss Never told his wife or family about what happens at Auswitchz
Rudi moves to the field camp assuming that he can escape more easily. He imagines himself in a field when he gets there he learns that he will be digging up the buried bodies to help burn them. He can’t believe how naïve he was
Overwhelming question prisoners had- is there anyway to fight back?
Thoughts on the commander being able to separate his violence with his home life?
Chp 12- Gertas observation that her relatives in Hungary didn’t see the problem with Jews fate. They didn’t acknowledge all the refugees.
Rudi couldn’t figure out why guards were protecting an empty building. (?) It was full of good.
Brought Polish prisoners to front of group and hung them. They were forced to watch for an hour. Papers on shirt says. “Because we tried to escape”
Rudi thinks- when he gets out of here and tell people what he saw- no one will believe him. Would you?
Part Two - Survival
Chp 13- Germany was winning the war. continued reports of the mass murders were made either way to America. They were buried on page 6, and many people just couldn’t believe that they were true. During this time, the Americans had put Japanese innocent people in the internment camps. Both were based on racial discrimination but not as equally brutal. We are Rudy was Heimlich. Himmler showed up in ordinary man to look at the camp. He was the head of the SSR.
Hitler’s overall vision for world dominance was to only allow those beneath him to serve or provide or build, and that those he felt superior would rule and be served across the world including complete in Alicia juice.
How would you compare your knowledge about interment camps to Nazi Germany concentration camps?
Chp 14-Filip Muller was writing letters home to his father, saying everything was fine. Meanwhile, he was starving to death, and was being made fun of by the Kapos playing teasing games like get up sit down take your hat off. One night he snuck out to get some tea from the barrels and was caught and tried to drowned him and hit him in the head. When he woke up, he was sent to strip the stiffs. They were all kinds of dead people in a room, and he had to take care of their belongings. Didn’t think he would survive one minute one day one hour.
The hunger is what really stood out to me, but also the humiliation.
Which do you think is worse feeling humiliated or hungry?
Chp 15- They would watch trains of people get off the train, children and women and the Nazis ask them what’s your job? Tailor?- great we need you after your shower. Come see me. They will then walk into the gas chamber and drop the poison and die. these people did not know that they were lambs to the slaughter. Filipe thought he had to be a witness, if only to speak for them when this was all over. He wondered how the SS soldiers could do such a thing without sight. Franz Hurts later says he didn’t do the thinking someone else did it for him. Brainwashed, unless the Jews deserved it.
Chp16- they were layers of torture at Auschwitz. Rudi ended up working as slave, labor, dragging bags of concrete to and from the building, “run you pig run you pig.”- Kapos He was words near death 90 of the hundred men lived that day only because Joseph asked Franz a French foreman if they could have a new job they twisted wires. this was a result of a case of jam that got knocked over in the prisoners all ate it, and when the foreman came to county realize they were missing.
What limits do you think the human body can withstand? Seems so excessive.
Chp 17- Hungary. Gerta is struggling with the jolliness of her family even some Jews that are living life as if nothing has happened. She’s lost weight stopped her. And is miserable wondering what is happening to her friends. Her aunts find her ungrateful and don’t understand why she won’t go to the park swimming.
Filipe continues to work in the crematorium, Sonderkommando and Rudi is friends with Filipes father. At one point father, and son means, but father is dying of typhoid. Philip makes Rudy promise that his father will never know he works in the crematorium. He tells them about the awful things that go on there. Two days later Filipes father arrives at the crematorium.
If you were in Hungary, as Gerta what would you do or say to your family how would you make a difference?
Chp 18- after working in the construction camp all day Rudi and Josef show up to run drills. They are sorted into the sick category. That group of men were being sent to death. Thankfully a Kapo who knew them did them a small favor and sent them to the other group. They ask to join the Canada Command because they heard they get lots of food- chocolate.
What do you think of the sorting of people?
Chp 19- Laco Fischer the dentist tells boys to stick to him for the Clearing Command. Don’t eat too much. Tons of strollers blankets and women squeezing toothpaste in buckets? WHY?
Everything from the luggage was sorted. The valuables were given to shoulders and SSR. Pictures books were burned. Everyone who worked there would try to smuggle out items but often got caught and beaten. Bruno- the Kapo- had Rudi sneaking things to Hermoine (a sorter girl). Rudi knows he is going to get caught by Wiegleb soon.
Would you risk stealing to share with the other prisoners?
Chp-20 Bruno Rudy was running close, one day when the lab stopped him four times in a row. On the fourth time he had perfume and hotdogs and soap for Hermione from Bruno. We log beat Rudy, but he would not tell who gave him the goods. The next day he earns Brunos respects, and Bruno covers for him.
Goethe is looking to get a passport. She and her mother are knitting scarves.
If you were Rudy, would you have told on Bruno? How do you think we log knew that Rudy was bringing goods from Bruno to Hermione?
Chp 21- more trains of Jews. More sorting between strong and weak. They at least kept mothers and children together. More luggage brought to the Canada complex command center. Rudy had been there for almost a year. He was 18 and his will to live in escape, was for the mere fact that the world needed to know what was really going on in Auschwitz. He had to be the one.
What do you think of the SS Nazi soldiers approach of being kind to the passengers when they got off the train? How they told them somebody made a mistake here we will sort you out.
Chp 22- Rudy and Joseph get typhus. Josef dies running for the fence. Rudy asks Bruno for help. He denies him. He asks local Fisher for help and he tries to prop him up as they march past the guards and it works! Hermione and other women in the Canada Canada command watch over him until he feels better. When he’s starting materials, he finds a map, a child atlas of the world and rips a page out.
SSR is guarding the secrets of Auschwitz - not prisoners.
What does this chapter say about the kindness of strangers?
Chp 23- Hitler had a set back in war. Rudi is faced with prior vicious guard who is amazed he is alive. Mfilipe sees the well co structured gas chamber. Bigger and newer.
Quote at end of chapter… Filipe fears what is to come.
Chp 24- Gerta in assumed identity she went to art galleries. Fell in love with Andrash but couldn’t tell him why she didn’t go to school or tell her parents about him.
Police come in middle of night b/c they were illegal immigrants. They get put on train.
Rudi meets old neighbor Fred. Hide in “shed” sometimes. Got a new job as a registrar and was able to walk around and talk to prisoners. Filipe saw sooo many crematorium groups. So devastating. Rudi was trying to remember alll these details.
His goal to remember was strong as ever.
Chp 25- Greta’s family was sent to detention camp- different than concentration camp b/c they came from Hungary.
Chp 26- Gertas family was released due to huge fee her u cow paid. They returned to Budapest. Escape for Rudi seems more impossible. Friend Dimitri tries to inspire him too. Find a way. Never trust a Nazi.
I find it interesting how he keeps finding friends. Telling parts of their stories. In a way to keep them alive?
Chp 27- opportunity- SS man Charlo- polish born Jew was a captain in French- leaves in 3 days! Rudi missed the truck! SS driver ended up killing Charlo. Rudi got his belt when they brought his body back.
News- there is a new rail line from Hungary straight to concentration camp built. Hurlers focus was Gungary now.
Rudi’s new purpose was driven because Lives Could Be saved.
He has a plan!
Part III -Escape
Chp 28- Rudi explains the guarding of the perimeters. Pg 146- Was it possible to remain hidden outside the inner perimeter BUT inside the out let perimeter for 3 days?
The mortuary crew bribed Kapos to hide in construction site.
When 4 prisoners were alarmed as missing- the men hid in the pile of lumber and gave whispered intel.
They got out of Auswitchz and the hiding place hadn’t been revealed.
Where did they hide? Could you imagine staying in a log pile for 3 days?
What did Sandor Eisenback wink?- he was a prisoner who returned after escaping.
Chp 29- With the intel from Sandor- Rudi was able to use this information to plan his escape. The hiding place was still safe.
Gerta says good bye to her father. He turned himself in to police hoping it would free his family. - not realistic.
Filipe tells details from crematorium. Part of the SS purpose was to steal- even gold fillings.
Rudi and Fred keep this info close to memory.
Chp 30-
After several attempts, Rudy and Fred were able to hide in the log pile.
Chp 31- as Rudy and Fred hide some German prisoners think they found them and start jumping on the log pile and pulling things apart. Thankfully somebody from far away yelled some thing and they ran off distracted. After three days, Rudy and Fred try to remove themselves from the log pile but realize they are sort of stuck in there with their bodies being weak. It is very tedious to move the logs. Thankfully, there was a sliver of sky.
Can you imagine the feeling that they’ve actually accomplish this task they been trying to complete for years?
Chp 32- reen, Fred navigate darkness listening for sounds of the river to follow. They were warned there could be land vines, but had to chance standing upright to make good time. They could trust. No one even Polish people may turn them in. I need a map for this. At one point they hear voices young boys that were being trained to be Nazis youth. They had to hide and wait for the boys to finish their sandwiches. Luckily, it started to rain and they found a better place to hide the night.
What are your thoughts on the children being groomed to be SS Nazis?
Chp 33-exhausted, and and hungry. They marched through the woods, hide in little bushes and branches. At one point they find themselves in a public park with Nazi soldiers and their wives and children running around. When they end up in a town, they have no chance, but to knock on the door of a hat. Also, Rudy realizes that the map he has in his head was made before other concentration camps have been built so when they spot one in the distance, it is a surprise.
Chp 34- a woman and her daughter in the hut take care of Rudy and Fred. Give them food and keep them warm and give them some points for their journey. She warned them that Germans have taken over the whole village. At one point they wake up with shots in the air there are some German soldiers that spotted them. They as narrowly escaped as they fall into a river and swim across their feet are blistered. They’ve lost their jackets. They’re free at frozen. Nine days after they had left Auschwitz they see Poland thank
Gerda’s family is headed from the south
Chp 35 -the Polish woman fed them, and brought them to a man who helped guide them across to Slovakia. They never learned the Polish farmers name because they were afraid if they were caught and tortured, and they would give him up. He had to cut his boots off, so he wore slippers. Just over two years after had gotten into that taxi is he a freeman again. Interesting they had a flyer with Fred and Rudy’s names on it and it escaped convicts. I thought for sure the SSRI would want to keep that quiet.
Chp 36-pig farmer takes Rudy and Fred into town. They want to meet with Dr. Pollack. He is someone they met at a resettlement camp. Pollick is shocked to learn that Rudy is alive. Nobody comes back from Auschwitz. He asks to see his tattoo. He says. They made plans for him to bring Rudi to the Jewish administrative group. He also treats his feet
Map page 187
Chp 37-2/3 of the Jewish population was gone. Less than 25,000 people in the city remains. The statistics in this chapter are mind boggling. As a result of Rudy and friends testimony word spread across the world in world leaders started demanding that Jewish citizens stopped being sent away. Especially via Hungary Rudi and Fred‘s testimony saved at least 200,000 lives. His testimony is said to be the most influential point in the war.
President Horthy finally gave the order to stop deportation. He had previously been influenced by Hilters demands.
What are your thoughts on one person making a difference? Can you think of any experience in your own life or something else you’ve read about that has been so impactful?
Chp 38-Rudy tries to settle into normal life, but it is difficult, especially getting a haircut next to a Nazi soldier at the barbershop. He and Gerta reunite, but she is shocked to see how much he has changed her. The allied forces have taken over. Hitler is hidden in underground, tunnels and caves. Rudi finally joins a rebellion and goes to fight for Nazi soldiers, although he has little training, this is the happiest because he is running forward instead of running away.
How does the scene provide some small amount of closure?
Chp 39- Gestapo shows up at Gerta and Josephine store. They are arrested because they found counterfeit identity papers in Gertas house. When they realize that they have a fake identity, Josefina gives up her will to live. She tells Gerta to run without her Gerta jumps out the window and escapes from the trip to Auschwitz. She meets her boss Martin at a coffee shop. It seems that he knew what she was doing all along. does this turn of events surprise you? It seem as it was already going to be closed down why are they still sending people there?
Chp 40-As the war comes to an end and Hitler
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2023
This work of nonfiction reads like a novel, so this book will have a wider appeal for more readers. The afterward was as powerful as the novel itself. Rudi is one of the first survivors of the concentration camps who escaped to tell the world what was actually happening inside those camps. On the flip side, we also hear Greta’s story as she struggles to hide from the camps. How their lives interconnect is like a work of fiction, but it’s not. This is a quick and powerful read with an amazing story of survival that needs to be told.
November 16, 2023
This is a true story about a holocaust survivor who was able to escape Auschwitz and warn the world to the truth of what was happening. It is geared for young people 12+ and tells the story in a way that reveals the horror of it without graphic detail. Very well done and would recommend for young people interesting in learning more about these events.
October 31, 2023
This book gives readers an account of what later became known as the Vrba-Wetzler report. “These were the first detailed eyewitness accounts of the Auschwitz death factory to reach the outside world”.
December 3, 2023
I should not be surprised with how terrific this book is. Nor when it ends up as one of my top picks of the year.
May 4, 2023
Richie’s Picks: IMPOSSIBLE ESCAPE: A TRUE STORY OF SURVIVAL AND HEROISM IN NAZI EUROPE by Steve Sheinkin, Roaring Brook, August 2023, 256p., ISBN: 978-1-250-26572-2
“People killin', people dyin'
Children hurt, hear them cryin'
Can you practice what you preach
Or would you turn the other cheek?
Father, Father, Father, help us
Send some guidance from above
'Cause people got me, got me questionin'
Where is the love”
– Black Eyed Peas (2003)
“On July 2, 1942, the New York Times printed an article reporting that the Nazis were likely murdering Jews by the hundreds of thousands in Poland. This might seem like major news–but the piece was buried on page six of the paper. The journalist even cast doubt on his own story, citing a Jewish leader in London who thought the report, in the journalist’s words, ‘seemed too terrible and the atrocities too inhumane to be true.’”
I often write about fun and exciting books that you won’t be able to put down. They are frequently referred to as page-turners. I also sometimes write about some truly great books, like IMPOSSIBLE ESCAPE, that you need to put down. Put it down to catch your breath, to check your humanity, and to sometimes wipe away the tears. To digest the reality of what you’re reading.
That, to me, was IMPOSSIBLE ESCAPE. Steve Sheinkin has long been one of my favorite nonfiction authors for young people. This will be another award contender for sure. But it’s sure tough to be reading this one with the knowledge that this is a true story. And reading it with the recognition that, without vigilance, it could well happen again.
IMPOSSIBLE ESCAPE is exceptionally well-researched and well-told. The descriptions are only as graphic as is necessary to accurately depict these world-shaking, historic events. But it is, nevertheless, an utterly brutal read. Be prepared to support young readers who will be losing their innocence about what humans are capable of doing to one another
“The conversation turned to what came next. Where were they going? What would the resettlement area be like?
Most people seemed to expect some sort of labor camp or ghetto. Maybe it wouldn’t be too awful, and they could return home when the war was over.
A young girl asked her father: Would there be schools? Playgrounds?
The father told his daughter what she needed to hear. Yes, he said. Schools and playgrounds. A girl of about sixteen said she’d recently gotten a letter from a cousin, someone who’d been resettled with an earlier group. Everything was fine, the cousin reported. Enough food, and the work wasn’t too hard. ‘There was only one thing I couldn’t understand,’ the girl said. ‘She said her mother sent me her love. And her mother died three years ago.’
Another woman, a mother holding a baby, told a similar story. She’d gotten a letter from her sister, who’d been resettled, and the sister wrote that a friend of theirs, Jakob Rakow, was doing well.
The strange thing was that Jakob Rakow had died in a car accident years before.
Had these people been forced to write letters to their families saying everything was fine? Had they slipped in details their relatives would recognize as wrong as some sort of warning?
‘You’re fools if you think you’re going to resettlement areas,’ one young man told the group. ‘We’re all going to die!’
Rudi didn’t believe it. No one in the car believed it.
In fact, the killing had already begun.”
IMPOSSIBLE ESCAPE focuses on two Slovakian Jewish teens, Rudi Vrba, the story’s real-life hero, and Gerta Sidonová, a classmate who has a teen crush on Rudi, back before their world falls apart.
Idealistic Rudi has a plan to sneak his way across Europe to Britain and join the fight against Hitler. Instead, he is captured and shipped to Auschwitz.
Meanwhile, Gerta is in another country. She is holed up with family in an apartment in Budapest, masquerading as a Hungarian country girl. Somebody eventually turns her family in, and they are suddenly in a detention camp in eastern Hungary. Both young people were clearly living on borrowed time.
As we now know, millions of Jews and other oppressed groups were being systematically slaughtered at Auschwitz and elsewhere. The longer he survived Auschwitz, and the more details he amassed about what was taking place there, the more desperate Rudi became to get the word out to the world and stop the slaughter. When, after years, he and a friend finally escape, the tale does, indeed, become a real page-turner.
Traveling at night, having to watch every step they take, Rudi and his fellow escapee eventually reach Slovakia. Theirs are the first detailed, eyewitness accounts of the Auschwitz death factory to reach the outside world. While millions had already perished, hundreds of thousands of Jews in Hungary were saved; thanks to their accounts.
And then, as the result of a chance reunion, Rudi becomes the key to Gerta’s survival.
Humanity is too often a nightmare. We pass this way, coming to and leaving this planet, while the ever-accruing mountains of hatred and prejudice continue on with their immortal lives.
IMPOSSIBLE ESCAPE demands that the tween/teen readership consider whether one can, in good conscience, individually or collectively invoke pacifism or isolationism as an excuse for turning one's back on the murders of millions of innocents. This book compels one to contemplate what YOU will do or not do, the next time another Hitler comes along.
Or maybe the next time you see some kid being bullied or ripped off.
I would pair this book with Candace Fleming’s THE RISE AND FALL OF CHARLES LINDBERG, or the late James Cross Giblin’s THE LIFE AND DEATH OF ADOLF HITLER.
And, in order to better get their heads around what actually took place during Hitler’s reign, I would encourage developing a project through which students would collectively gather together and count one-million beans or pieces of gravel, and get some sense of the enormity of the millions and millions of people who died at the hands of the Nazis.
Never again.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
December 6, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review
Obviously, there are already lots of non-fiction books about the holocaust written for all ages. However, Steve Sheinkin always brings something new to the table and delivers it in a compulsively readable fashion.
This book focuses primarily on two people's experience during the holocaust, Rudi Vrba and Gerta Sidonová. As well as being a compelling biography of someone who actually managed to escape from Auschwitz there was a lot of information included in this book that I had not known, such as detailed information about how the camps worked, the different jobs within Auschwitz, and the ways in which Hitler pressured other countries to deport their Jewish populations.
Sheinkin's writing is vivid and dramatic. Even though the story is non-fiction, it reads like a novel. I would recommend this book for anyone in middle school and up who is interested in learning about the holocaust or looking for a compelling biography.
Obviously, there are already lots of non-fiction books about the holocaust written for all ages. However, Steve Sheinkin always brings something new to the table and delivers it in a compulsively readable fashion.
This book focuses primarily on two people's experience during the holocaust, Rudi Vrba and Gerta Sidonová. As well as being a compelling biography of someone who actually managed to escape from Auschwitz there was a lot of information included in this book that I had not known, such as detailed information about how the camps worked, the different jobs within Auschwitz, and the ways in which Hitler pressured other countries to deport their Jewish populations.
Sheinkin's writing is vivid and dramatic. Even though the story is non-fiction, it reads like a novel. I would recommend this book for anyone in middle school and up who is interested in learning about the holocaust or looking for a compelling biography.
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